BYRON, Ga. – The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited Southern Perfection Fabrication Holdings Inc. with 15 serious safety and health violations, including exposing workers to combustible residues and flammable liquids in the spraying and power coating areas without adequate precautions to prevent fires and explosions. An inspection of the Byron metal fabrication shop was initiated in November 2011 based on a complaint. Proposed penalties total $54,600.

The violations include, among others, failing to train workers on the use of fire extinguishers; periodically inspect fire extinguishers; conduct air sampling in the powder coating area where excessive amounts of airborne particles exceeded the permissible exposure limit; assess the need for personal protective equipment; develop a hearing conservation program; limit exposure to noise hazards; provide a written respiratory protection program; train on the use of a respirator; provide written hazard communication and respiratory protection programs and train workers in the use of personal protective equipment such as safety glasses, face shields, protective gloves and clothing when performing powder coating operations. A serious violation occurs when there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.

"Companies must not wait for a catastrophic event or an OSHA inspection before they act to protect their workers from serious injuries and illnesses," said William Fulcher, the agency's Atlanta-East area director.

Southern Perfection Fabrication Holdings Inc. has 15 business days from receipt of its citations and proposed penalties to comply, request a conference with OSHA's area director or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

To ask questions, obtain compliance assistance, file a complaint, or report workplace hospitalizations, fatalities or situations posing imminent danger to workers, the public should call OSHA's toll-free hotline at 800-321-OSHA (6742) or the agency's Atlanta-East office at 770-493-6644.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit http://www.osha.gov.

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